Formic acid is obtained when [1994]a)Calcium acetate is heated with co...
When glycerol is heated with oxalic acid
following reaction occurs.
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Formic acid is obtained when [1994]a)Calcium acetate is heated with co...
To obtain formic acid, glycerol needs to be heated with oxalic acid at 373 K. This reaction is represented by the following equation:
C3H8O3 + H2C2O4 → HCOOH + CO2 + 2H2O
Here is a detailed explanation of why option C is the correct answer:
1. Reaction Overview:
- Glycerol: Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a colorless and odorless liquid. It is a trihydric alcohol with the chemical formula C3H8O3.
- Oxalic Acid: Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula H2C2O4. It is a strong acid that occurs naturally in many plants.
- Formic Acid: Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It has the chemical formula HCOOH.
2. Reaction Mechanism:
- The reaction between glycerol and oxalic acid is an esterification reaction, where the hydroxyl groups (-OH) of glycerol react with the carboxyl groups (-COOH) of oxalic acid.
- The reaction is catalyzed by heat, which provides the necessary activation energy for the reaction to occur.
- The esterification reaction results in the formation of formic acid (HCOOH), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O) as byproducts.
3. Explanation of other Options:
a) Calcium acetate is heated with conc. H2SO4: This reaction does not yield formic acid. Instead, it would result in the formation of acetic acid and calcium sulfate.
b) Calcium formate is heated with calcium acetate: This reaction does not yield formic acid. It would lead to the formation of calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate.
d) Acetaldehyde is oxidized with K2Cr2O7 and H2SO4: This reaction does not yield formic acid. It would result in the formation of acetic acid.
In conclusion, the correct option to obtain formic acid from the given choices is option C, where glycerol is heated with oxalic acid at 373 K.